The Great Paderewski is Back!

The Paderewski Symphony Orchestra honors the legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941), one of the greatest pianists from the Golden Age of Piano, composer extraordinaire, philanthropist, diplomat, and the first Prime Minister of Poland.

PROGRAMIgnacy Jan Paderewski took part in twenty concert tours in the United States. He performed 1500 concerts, 65 of which took place in Chicago. In 1892, he performed in the inaugural season of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Theodore Thomas, and in 1931 he played his own Piano Concerto in A Minor under the baton of Frederick Stock at Northwestern University.. E. Elgar, Ouverture “Polonia”I. J. Paderewski, Piano concerto in A-MinorF. Chopin, Andante Spianato at Grande Polonaise Brillante in E flat Major, Op. 22.I. J. Paderewski, Symphony H-minor (excerpts)I. J. Paderewski, hymn “Hej, Orle Bialy!”

“Daniel Szefer is a new young star of the classical music” Chicago Tribune

“Szefer is a great talent and a musical prodigy”Chicago Sun Times

Igor LipiñskiThe 29-year-old concert pianist, winner of the Paderewski Award – Igor Lipinski- will be featured as the soloist in Ignacy Paderewski’s Concerto in A Minor.“Each subsequent variation was distinctly different in style and allowed Lipinski to showcase his dazzling versatility. (…) His control and interpretation were exquisite.”Leanne Heaton, the Butler Eagle

“While the program made these concerts unusual, it was the quality of the combined orchestra and its conductor Wojciech Niewrzol that made news. Sunday afternoon at Orchestra Hall, Niewrzol led performances that held their own. (…) The Polish conductor led readings of difficult works that were both lively and disciplined.”